Hampshire: Home Start Hampshire in Rushmoor & Hart

At Home-Start Hampshire we run a range of family groups which are by referral only, third party or self-referral. The groups are supported by trained and experienced volunteers who will ensure you and your little one(s) are welcomed, feel safe and have a positive experience.

All of our groups provide a safe non-judgmental environment where families can make the first steps to regular social interaction and peer support.

To refer a family to one of our groups, or make a self-referral please complete and return a referral form, which can be found HERE

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

BANES, Swindon & Wiltshire: BSW Community Health directory

 

The BSW Community Health directory is the central hub for NHS community services across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire.

HCRG Care Group provides these services on behalf of the local Integrated Care Board (ICB). There is a complete list of all community health services available in the BSW region, ranging from adult rehabilitation to children's neurodevelopmental support.

Please click here to visit the website

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 29 April 2026

Damage Charges process

DIO is introducing changes to the damage charges process to make this process simpler for you and your family upon Move-Out.

·From 1st May 2026, on the day you move out, your Housing Officer will provide a formal notification via email. This will include your move-out form, details of any charges incurred and information of how raise a dispute if needed.

· We have also extended the review timeframe for charges. You will now have 30 days to assess the charges and, if necessary, initiate a Stage 1 dispute. Recovery actions will not begin until this 30-day period has passed.

· If a dispute is raised, any recovery action will be paused until the issue has been fully resolved. Pinnacle will continue to handle Stage 1 disputes and DIO will continue to manage Stage 2 disputes.

These changes aim to ensure you are provided with clear details on the day of Move-Out and sufficient time to review everything before any further action is taken, if required.

For families who move out before 1st May 2026, formal notifications will continue to be issued under the current process. We appreciate your patience while we work through these remaining cases during the transition to the new system. 

New light pink shades added to Defence Homes colour palette

The Defence Homes Colour Palette has been updated following feedback from Service families, with five new light pink shades added. This update is part of our commitment to modernise outdated policies and give families greater freedoms to personalise their home. 

By choosing colours from within the Defence Homes Colour palette range, families can leave these at move out with no requirement to revert to white.   

If you are thinking about refreshing your home with a new coat of paint, you can start whenever you like – there is no need to ask for permission or to notify DIO, Amey/VIVO or Pinnacle.  

The updated palette does not specify paint brands or finishes (such as matt or silk), giving you the freedom to choose what works best for you. 

For more information and to view the full palette, click here.  

Notice to families using heating oil

Grantham: Gingerbread Festival Dysart Park Sunday 10 May 2026 - 11am - 4pm

Gingerbread Festival

“Run, run as fast as you can!” It’s time to lace up your running shoes and take on the Foxes at Dysart Park! This exciting and lighthearted race is inspired by the classic fairy tale and is perfect for families, children, and anyone who wants to join in the fun.
With race categories for different age groups, everyone can take part — whether you’re a speedy sprinter or prefer a leisurely jog. The course is set within the beautiful surroundings of Dysart Park, creating the perfect atmosphere for a day of laughter, movement, and community spirit.

Prizes will be awarded for the fastest finishers as well as other bonus awards throughout the day.

Beyond the races themselves, the day will be packed with fun activities for the whole family. Expect face painting, games and activities for little ones and stalls selling locally produced goods. There will also be food stalls selling warm drinks, delicious lunches, and, of course, plenty of gingerbread goodies!

This event is all about encouraging an active lifestyle while having loads of fun, and we’re delighted to be partnering once again with with Inspire+. Whether you’re taking part in the race or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the park and bring the community together.

Dysart Park  

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Gloucestershire: Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service urges public to 'Be Water Aware' as warmer weather arrives

 

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) is urging people to take extra care in and around water as the weather starts to improve, as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) annual Be Water Aware campaign.

Running from Monday 27 April to Sunday 3 May, the campaign highlights the ongoing and preventable risk of accidental drowning.

Between 2019 and 2024, 1,602 people across the UK lost their lives in accidental drowning incidents. Of these, 56 per cent occurred in inland waters such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Half of those who drowned did not intend to enter the water, with slips, trips and falls a leading cause.

The campaign also warns against the dangers of entering open water to cool down. Cold water shock is a serious risk, as sudden immersion can trigger an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing and panic, making it difficult to stay afloat and significantly increasing the risk of drowning.

GFRS continues to work with partners across Gloucestershire to promote water safety, including community engagement activities and water safety education.

Please click here to read safety advice and more information online

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Grantham: Grantham Link Magazine & Village Link Magazine

Grantham Link

Village Link

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Grantham: A polite Dog Rules on Camp reminder

When pets are outside the workplace they must be kept on a lead at ALL TIMES, (apart from the areas on the map, Annex D to Grantham Station Orders refer). 

Failure to follow this policy will result in owners being directed to remove the pet from the working environment. Dog walking area guidance

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Colerne: Musica Medievals at Colerne Church - Sat 23 May

Please scan the QR code or click here to book your tickets

Information provided by Colerne HIVE

Chatham: Vivo Housing Surgery, Tuesday and Thursday mornings

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

DIO Families Families First Newsletter - Issue 37 Published

The latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available to view and download on the Defence Homes website.